The Amazing Mushrooms of Panama's Tropical Rainforest
Panama Is A Hotspot For Fungi Biodiversity
Explore the fungi biodiversity of the lush tropical rainforests of the Panamanian isthmus.
Thanks to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama is one of the most researched tropical rainforest on the Planet.
There has been a vast amount of fascinating mushrooms found in the rainforest of Panama and much of that rainforest near Panama City is protected to preserve the massive amount of fresh water need to run the Panama Canal.
With a long wet season that stretches from May to November, Panama's mountain cloud forests get some of the highest rainfall in the world.
This makes Panama fertile grown for the kingdom of fungi and the mushrooms arrive after the rainstorms with the morning dew.
If you want to learn about mushroom hunting and foraging, Panama offers a bonanza of fungi riches.
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1. Laternea Pusilla
An odd-looking species of fungi in the Phallaceae family found in Central and South America.
2. Bridal Veil Stinkhorn
Commonly called Phallus Indusiatus, the bamboo fungus, or the veiled lady. This fungus is in the family Phallaceae, also known as the mysterious stinkhorns.
3. Scarlet Elf Cap
Also known as Scutellinia scutellata, this is a small fungus made of small red cups with distinct dark hairs or "eyelashes" that make it easy to identify.
4. Collared Earthstar
Also known as Geastrum triplex, this mushroom trinity grows in the leaf litter of Panama's tropical rainforests.
5. Ophiocordyceps
A zombie fungus that alters the behavior of the ants (and other insects) in such a way as to propagate itself more effectively. It kills the ant and then grows its fruiting bodies from the ant's head to release its spores.
6. Anemone Stinkhorn Fungus
Also known as Aseroe rubra or the starfish fungus, this mushroom is recognizable for its foul odour.
7. Psilocybe Cubensis
Psilocybe cubensis is a species of psychedelic mushroom whose principal active compounds are psilocybin and psilocin. It found throughout the tropical regions of the world.
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